US12207816B2 - Anvil assembly with reduced deflection - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical stapling device includes an end effector having a cartridge assembly, and anvil assembly that is supported adjacent the anvil assembly in cantilevered fashion. The end effector of the stapling device includes a pusher that is configured to compensate for deflection of the anvil assembly and provide uniform staple formation along the length of the anvil assembly. The pusher is also configured to minimize firing forces required to fire staples from the cartridge assembly and cut tissue.

Description

FIELD

The present technology is generally related to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to surgical stapling devices that have an anvil assembly that is supported on the stapling device in cantilevered fashion.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices are commonly used during a variety of surgical procedures to expedite dissection and suturing of tissue and minimize trauma to a patient. Typically, the stapling devices include an end effector that includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are movable in relation to each other between open and clamped positions to clamp tissue therebetween. When the tissue is clamped between the cartridge and anvil assemblies, the stapling device can be fired to eject staples from the cartridge assembly into a staple forming surface of the anvil assembly to suture the tissue. The stapling devices often include a knife assembly that includes a cutting blade that is advanced from within the cartridge assembly into the anvil assembly to cut the tissue clamped between the cartridge and anvil assemblies.

Surgical stapling devices are available in a variety of types for performing a variety of different surgical procedures. One type of stapling device includes a U-shaped end effector that has a body having a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion. Each of the first and second end portions has a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion and a second end. The cartridge assembly is supported adjacent the second transverse portion and is movable towards the first transverse portion to move the anvil and cartridge assemblies into juxtaposed alignment. The anvil assembly is supported on the first transverse portion which extends from the longitudinal portion in cantilevered fashion.

During a surgical procedure, when the anvil and cartridge assemblies are moved into juxtaposed alignment and subsequently when the staples and the cutting blade are driven into the anvil assembly, the second end of the first transverse portion supporting the anvil assembly tends to bend or deflect distally away from the cartridge assembly such that a gap defined between the anvil and cartridge assemblies changes along the length of the anvil assembly. This may result in nonuniform staple formation.

A continuing need exists in the art for an end effector that can compensate for distal deflection of the second end of the anvil assembly during cutting of tissue.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device that includes an end effector having a cartridge assembly and anvil assembly that is supported adjacent the anvil assembly in cantilevered fashion. The end effector of the stapling device includes a pusher that is configured to compensate for deflection of the anvil assembly and provide uniform staple formation along the length of the anvil assembly. The pusher is also configured to minimize firing forces required to fire staples from the cartridge assembly and cut tissue.

Aspects of this disclosure are directed to an end effector that includes a frame, an anvil plate, and a cartridge assembly. The frame has a U-shaped configuration and includes a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion. The longitudinal portion defines a longitudinal axis. The first transverse portion is spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess. The first transverse portion is supported in cantilevered fashion on the longitudinal portion and has a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion of the frame and a second end spaced from the longitudinal portion of the frame. The anvil plate is supported on the first transverse portion of the frame and defines an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame. The cartridge assembly is supported in the recess defined between the first and second transverse portions of the frame and is movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body, staples, and a pusher that is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position to an advanced position. The cartridge body defines a plurality of staple receiving slots that receives the staples. The pusher includes a base member and a plurality of fingers. Each of the plurality of fingers extends distally from the base member into one of the staple receiving slots and has a distal portion supporting one of the staples. The pusher is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position towards an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple receiving slots. The distal portions of the plurality of fingers are aligned along an axis “P1” and the anvil shaft defines an axis “P2”, wherein the axis “P1” defines an angle of from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees with the axis “P2” when the pusher is in a retracted position, and the axis “P1” is substantially parallel to the axis “P2” when the staples are ejected into the anvil plate.

Other aspects of this disclosure are directed to surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an elongate body, and an end effector. The elongate body has a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion. The end effector is coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body and includes a frame, an anvil plate, and a cartridge assembly. The frame has a U-shaped configuration and includes a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion. The longitudinal portion defines a longitudinal axis. The first transverse portion is spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess. The first transverse portion of the frame is supported in cantilevered fashion on the longitudinal portion of the frame and has a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion and a second end spaced from the longitudinal portion. The anvil plate is supported on the first transverse portion of the frame and defines an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame. The cartridge assembly is supported in the recess defined between the first and second transverse portions of the frame. The cartridge assembly is movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body, staples, and a pusher that is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position to an advanced position. The cartridge body defines a plurality of staple receiving slots and each of the staple receiving slots receives one of the staples. The pusher includes a base member and a plurality of fingers. Each of the plurality of fingers extends distally from the base member into one of the staple receiving slots and has a distal portion that supports one of the staples. The pusher is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position towards an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple receiving slots. The distal portions of the plurality of fingers are aligned along an axis “P1” and the anvil shaft defines an axis “P2”. The axis “P1” defines an angle of from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees with the axis “P2” when the pusher is in a retracted position, and the axis “P1” is substantially parallel to the axis “P2” when the staples are ejected into the anvil plate.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to an end effector including a frame, an anvil plate, and a cartridge assembly. The frame has a U-shaped configuration and includes a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion. The longitudinal portion defines a longitudinal axis. The first transverse portion is spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess. The first transverse portion of the frame is supported in cantilevered fashion on the longitudinal portion and has a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion of the frame and a second end spaced from the longitudinal portion. The anvil plate is supported on the first transverse portion of the frame and defines an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame. The cartridge assembly is supported in the recess defined between the first and second transverse portions of the frame. The cartridge assembly is movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body, staples, and a pusher that is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position to an advanced position. The cartridge body defines a plurality of staple receiving slots, and each of the staple receiving slots receives one of the staples. The pusher includes a base member and a plurality of fingers. Each of the plurality of fingers extends distally from the base member into one of the staple receiving slots and has a distal portion that supports one of the staples. The pusher is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position towards an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple receiving slots. When the pusher is in a retracted position, the plurality of staples is spaced from the anvil plate a distance that changes along the longitudinal axis of the anvil plate. In aspects of the disclosure, the base member of the pusher defines a longitudinal axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame, and the plurality of fingers each define a longitudinal axis that defines an angle β with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the angle β is from about 78 degrees to about 88 degrees.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the angle β is about 84 degrees.

In aspects of the disclosure, each of the plurality of fingers of the pusher has the same length.

In some aspects of the disclosure, each staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge assembly includes a knife assembly that includes a knife holder and a knife blade.

In aspects of the disclosure, the pusher and the cartridge body define knife slots that receive the knife blade.

In some aspects of the disclosure, when the pusher is in a retracted position, the plurality of staples is spaced from the anvil plate a distance that changes along the longitudinal axis of the anvil plate.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the distance between the plurality of staples and the anvil plate increases progressively from the second end of the anvil plate towards the first end of the anvil plate such that the staples sequentially engage the anvil plate when the pusher moves from the retracted position towards the advanced position.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG.1 is a side perspective view of a surgical stapling device according to aspects of the disclosure with an end effector in an open position;

FIG.2 is a side perspective view from the distal end of a cartridge assembly of the surgical stapling device shown inFIG.1;

FIG.3 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly shown inFIG.2;

FIG.4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line4-4 ofFIG.3;

FIG.5 is a side perspective view of a distal portion of the end effector of the surgical stapling device shown inFIG.1 as the surgical stapling device begins to be fired and a plurality of staples are ejected from the cartridge assembly towards an anvil assembly of the end effector of the surgical stapling device;

FIG.5A is a schematic cutaway view of the end effector of the surgical stapling device shown inFIG.1 as the surgical stapling device is fired before the staples engage the anvil assembly; and

FIG.6 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the end effector of the surgical stapling device shown inFIG.5 after the surgical stapling device has been fired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed surgical stapling devices will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. In addition, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during use of the device in its customary manner, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the device in its customary manner. In addition, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel. “About” or “approximately” or “substantially” as used herein may be inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of variation for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (e.g., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard variations, within ±10% of the stated value, or within 2-3 degrees of the stated angle.

FIG.1 illustrates the disclosed surgical stapling device shown generally as staplingdevice10. The staplingdevice10 includes ahandle assembly12, anelongate body14 that extends distally from thehandle assembly12, and anend effector16 that is supported on a distal portion of theelongate body14. Theelongate body14 defines a longitudinal axis “X”. Thehandle assembly12 includes ahousing18 that defines astationary handle20 and supports amovable trigger22. In aspects of the disclosure, themovable trigger22 is supported by thehousing18 to pivot towards thestationary handle20 between non-actuated and actuated positions to operate theend effector16. Thehandle assembly12 also supports buttons26 (only one is shown) that are positioned on each side of thehousing18 and are movable along thehousing18 to advance and retract analignment pin pusher27. Thealignment pin pusher27 is positioned and configured to engage an alignment pin (not shown) within theend effector16 to move the alignment pin between retracted position and advanced positions. Thehandle assembly12 also includes arelease button28 that can be depressed to move theend effector16 from a clamped position to an unclamped position. For a more detailed description of asuitable handle assembly12, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,508 (“the '508 patent”).

The staplingdevice10 includes aframe32 that extends from thehandle assembly12 to theend effector16. Theframe32 includes adistal frame portion34 that has a U-shaped configuration that forms a portion of theend effector16. The distal frame portion34 (FIG.3) has a firsttransverse portion36, a secondtransverse portion38, and alongitudinal portion39 that interconnects the firsttransverse portion36 and the secondtransverse portion38. The first and secondtransverse portions36 and38 are spaced from each other to define arecess40 that extends between the first and secondtransverse portions36 and38. In some aspects of the disclosure, the first and secondtransverse portions36 and38 are curved along axes transverse to the longitudinal axis “X” of theelongate body14 of the staplingdevice10. Alternately, the first and second transverse portions may be linear or comprised of a plurality of linear portions that are positioned at angles in relation to each other. Each of the first and secondtransverse portions36 and38 has afirst end36aand38a, respectively, that are coupled to (e.g., formed with) thelongitudinal portion39 of thedistal frame portion34 and asecond end36band38b, respectively. Thesecond end38bof the secondtransverse portion38 is coupled to theframe32 of theelongate body14. Thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 is spaced from thelongitudinal portion39 such that the firsttransverse portion36 is supported on thelongitudinal portion39 in cantilevered fashion.

Theend effector16 includes ananvil assembly42 and acartridge assembly44. Thecartridge assembly44 is removably supported on aclamp slide assembly46 of the staplingdevice10 and includes abody47 that supports a plurality of staples (not shown). Theclamp slide assembly46 includes adistal portion46athat is configured to releasably support thecartridge assembly44. Thedistal portion46ais positioned in therecess40 and is movable between retracted and advanced positions to move thecartridge assembly44 in relation to theanvil assembly42 through therecess40 between an unclamped position (FIG.1) located adjacent to the secondtransverse portion38 of thedistal frame portion34 and a clamped position (FIG.5) located adjacent the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34. For a detailed description of exemplary aspects of the operation and construction of a clamp slide assembly, see the '508 patent.

Theanvil assembly42 is supported on the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 and includes a cuttingplate52 and an anvil plate54 (FIG.5A) that defines a plurality of staple receivingdeformations54a(FIG.5A). The cuttingplate52 and theanvil plate54 have configurations that correspond to the configuration of the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34. The cuttingplate52 defines opposedcutouts62a. Theanvil plate54 of theanvil assembly42 includesflanges66 that extend through thecutouts62aof the cuttingplate52 and are secured to the firsttransverse portion36 with rivets or pins68 to secure theanvil plate54 and the cuttingplate52 to the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 with the cuttingplate52 sandwiched between the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 and the anvil plate54 (FIG.5A).

FIGS.2 and3 illustrate thecartridge assembly44 which includes thecartridge body47, aknife assembly70, apusher72, andstaples74. Thecartridge body47 defines a cavity (not shown) that receives theknife assembly70 and thepusher72 such that theknife assembly70 and thepusher72 can move within thebody47 of thecartridge assembly44 from a retracted position to an advanced position. Thecartridge body47 defines a plurality of staple receiving slots78 (FIG.2) and aknife slot80 that extends between thestaple receiving slots78. In aspects of the disclosure, thestaple receiving slots78 are aligned in curved rows on opposite sides of theknife slot80, and theknife slot80 is curved and centrally located in thecartridge body47. It is envisioned that although thecartridge body47 is shown to have two rows ofstaple receiving slots78 on each side of theknife slot80, one or more rows ofstaple receiving slots78 can be provided on each side of theknife slot80, and the number of rows ofstaple receiving slots80 on each side of theknife slot80 need not be the same. For example, two rows ofstaple receiving slots78 can be formed on one side of theknife slot80 and three rows ofstaple receiving slots80 can be formed on the other side of theknife slot80.

Each of thestaples74 is received in one of thestaple receiving slots78 in thecartridge body47. Thepusher72 includes abase member81 and a plurality ofpusher fingers82 that extend distally from thebase member81. Each of the plurality offingers82 extends into one of the plurality ofstaple receiving slots78 of thecartridge body47 and includes adistal surface82athat supports one of thestaples74 within the respectivestaple receiving slot78. Thebase member81 of thepusher72 defines a central knife slot (not shown) that is positioned between the rows of thefingers82 and is aligned with theknife slot80 in thecartridge body47.

Theknife assembly70 includes aknife holder90 and aknife blade92 that is secured to and extends distally from theknife holder90. When thecartridge assembly44 is assembled and theknife assembly70 is in its retracted position, theknife blade92 extends from theknife holder90 through the central knife slot (not shown) in thebase member81 of thepusher72 and is recessed within theknife slot80 in thecartridge body47.

FIG.4 illustrates thepusher72 of thecartridge assembly44. As summarized above, thepusher72 includes abase member81 and a plurality offingers82. Thebase member81 defines a longitudinal axis “Z” that extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body14 (FIG.1). Each of the plurality offingers82 has substantially the same length and extends distally from thebase member81. Each of the plurality of fingers defines a longitudinal axis “Y” that defines an angle β with the longitudinal axis “Z” of thebase member81. In aspects of the disclosure, angle β is from about 78 degrees to about 88 degrees. In some aspects of the disclosure, angle β is about 84 degrees. In aspects of the disclosure, thebase member81 and the plurality offingers82 are integrally formed such as by molding. Alternately, thefingers82 could be form separately from thebase member81 and secured to thebase member81 using any known fastening technique or device.

FIGS.5 and5A illustrate theend effector16 of the staplingdevice10 in a clamped position as the staplingdevice10 is fired. In this position, thepusher72 is positioned within thecartridge body47 with thefingers82 of thepusher72 received within the staple receiving slots78 (FIG.5A) of thecartridge body47. As illustrated inFIG.5A, thestaple receiving slots78 in thecartridge body47 have axes that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body14 (FIG.1) of the staplingdevice10. As such, when thefingers82 of thepusher72 are received in thestaple receiving slots78 of thecartridge body47, thebase member81 of thepusher72 from which thefingers82 extend is angled in relation to theanvil plate54. The longitudinal axes defined by thefingers82 of thepusher72 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body14 (FIG.1). In this orientation of thepusher72, thefingers82 nearer thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 are closer to theanvil plate54 than thefingers82 of thepusher72 nearer thefirst end36aof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34. In aspects of the disclosure, prior to firing of the stapling device10 (FIG.1), thefingers32 of thepusher72 and thestaples74 supported on thefingers82 are positioned closest to theanvil plate54 adjacent thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 and become progressively further away from theanvil plate54 towards thefirst end36aof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34. In some aspects of the disclosure, a distal portion of thefingers82 of thepusher72 extend along an axis “P1” that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis “Z” (FIG.4) of thebase member81 of thepusher72 and defines the angle β with the longitudinal axes of thefingers82.

When the cantilevered firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 is in a non-deformed position prior to firing of thestaples74 into theanvil plate54, an axis “P2” (FIG.5) defined by the anvil plate54 (which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body14) defines angle Q with the axis “P1” defined by the distal portion of thefingers82. In aspects of the disclosure, the angle Q is from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees, and in some aspects of the disclosure, about 6 degrees. The relative orientations of the axis “P2” (FIG.5) defined by theanvil plate54 and the axis “P1” defined by the distal portions of thefingers82 of thepusher72 is provided to compensate for deflection of the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 during firing of the staplingdevice10 and to provide a more uniform staple formation along the length of theanvil plate54.

Each of thestaples74 have a uniform length. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.5A, when the end effector16 (FIG.1) is in a clamped position, prior to firing of the stapling device10 (FIG.1), thestaples74 nearest thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 are spaced more closely to theanvil plate54 than are thestaples74 positioned nearer thefirst end36aof thedistal frame portion34.

FIG.6 illustrates theend effector16 of the staplingdevice10 as the staplingdevice10 is fired to eject staples into theanvil plate54. When the staplingdevice10 is fired to eject thestaples74 from thecartridge body47 of thecartridge assembly44, thepusher72 is advanced in the direction of arrows “C” inFIG.5A to advance thefingers82 within thestaple receiving slots78 of thecartridge body47. As shown, thestaples74 nearer thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 engage and begin to deform against theanvil plate54 before thestaples74 located closer to thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34. As such, as thepusher72 is advanced towards theanvil plate54, thestaples74 will sequentially engage theanvil plate54 beginning with thestaples74 nearer thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 and ending with thestaples74 nearer thefirst end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34. Because all the staples do not engage theanvil plate54 simultaneously, the force required to fire the staplingdevice10 is minimized.

When thestaples74 and knife blade92 (FIG.3) are driven into theanvil plate54, a force in a distal direction is applied to theanvil plate54 which causes the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 to deflect outwardly in the direction of arrow “B” inFIG.6. Since the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 is supported in cantilevered fashion to thelongitudinal portion39 of thedistal frame portion34, thesecond end36bof the firsttransverse portion36 of thedistal frame portion34 will deflect outwardly from the cartridge assembly44 a greater distance than thefirst end36aof thedistal frame portion34. This deflection will move the axis “P2” defined by theanvil plate54 into substantially parallel alignment with the axis “P1” defined by the distal portion of thefingers82 of thepusher72. In this position, the gap between the distal portion of thefingers82 of thepusher72 and theanvil plate54 will be substantially uniform along the length of theanvil plate54 such that thestaples74 will be formed uniformly along the length of theanvil plate54.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect of the disclosure may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An end effector comprising:

a frame having a U-shaped configuration and including a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion, the longitudinal portion defining a longitudinal axis, the first transverse portion being spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess, the first transverse portion of the frame supported in cantilevered fashion on the longitudinal portion and having a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion of the frame and a second end spaced from the longitudinal portion;

an anvil plate supported on the first transverse portion of the frame, the anvil plate defining an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame; and

a cartridge assembly supported in the recess defined between the first and second transverse portions of the frame, the cartridge assembly movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, staples, and a pusher that is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position to an advanced position, the cartridge body defining a plurality of staple receiving slots, each of the staple receiving slots receiving one of the staples, the pusher including a base member and a plurality of fingers, each of the plurality of fingers extending distally from the base member into one of the staple receiving slots and having a distal portion supporting one of the staples, the pusher being movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position towards an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple receiving slots;

wherein the distal portions of the plurality of fingers are aligned along an axis “P1” and the anvil shaft defines an axis “P2”, wherein the axis “P1” defines an angle of from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees with the axis “P2” when the pusher is in a retracted position, and the axis “P1” is substantially parallel to the axis “P2” when the staples are ejected into the anvil plate.

2. The end effector ofclaim 1, wherein the base member of the pusher defines a longitudinal axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame, and the plurality of fingers each define a longitudinal axis that defines an angle β with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion, wherein the angle β is from about 78 degrees to about 88 degrees.

3. The end effector ofclaim 2, wherein the angle (3 is about 84 degrees.

4. The end effector ofclaim 2, wherein each of the plurality of fingers of the pusher has the same length.

5. The end effector ofclaim 4, wherein each staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame.

6. The end effector ofclaim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly includes a knife assembly that includes a knife holder and a knife blade.

7. The end effector ofclaim 6, wherein the pusher and the cartridge body define knife slots that receive the knife blade.

8. The end effector ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of staples is spaced from the anvil plate, when the pusher is in a retracted position, a distance that changes along the longitudinal axis of the anvil plate.

9. The end effector ofclaim 8, wherein the distance between the plurality of staples and the anvil plate increases progressively from the second end of the anvil plate towards the first end of the anvil plate such that the staples sequentially engage the anvil plate when the pusher moves from the retracted position towards the advanced position.

10. A surgical stapling device comprising:

a handle assembly;

an elongate body having a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion; and

an end effector coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body, the end effector including:

a frame having a U-shaped configuration and including a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion, the longitudinal portion defining a longitudinal axis, the first transverse portion being spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess, the first transverse portion of the frame supported in cantilevered fashion on the longitudinal portion and having a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion and a second end spaced from the longitudinal portion;

an anvil plate supported on the first transverse portion of the frame, the anvil plate defining an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame; and

a cartridge assembly supported in the recess defined between the first and second transverse portions of the frame, the cartridge assembly movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, staples, and a pusher that is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position to an advanced position, the cartridge body defining a plurality of staple receiving slots, each of the staple receiving slots receiving one of the staples, the pusher including a base member and a plurality of fingers, each of the plurality of fingers extending distally from the base member into one of the staple receiving slots and having a distal portion supporting one of the staples, the pusher being movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position towards an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple receiving slots;

wherein the distal portions of the plurality of fingers are aligned along an axis “P1” and the anvil shaft defines an axis “P2”, wherein the axis “P1” defines an angle of from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees with the axis “P2” when the pusher is in a retracted position, and the axis “P1” is substantially parallel to the axis “P2” when the staples are ejected into the anvil plate.

11. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 10, wherein the base member of the pusher defines a longitudinal axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame, and the plurality of fingers each define a longitudinal axis that defines an angle β with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion, wherein the angle β is from about 78 degrees to about 88 degrees.

12. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 11, wherein each of the plurality of fingers of the pusher has the same length.

13. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 12, wherein each staple receiving slot of the plurality of staple receiving slots defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame.

14. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 10, wherein the cartridge assembly includes a knife assembly that includes a knife holder and a knife blade.

15. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 14, wherein the pusher and the cartridge body define knife slots that receive the knife blade.

16. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 10, wherein the plurality of staples is spaced from the anvil plate, when the pusher is in a retracted position, a distance that changes along the longitudinal axis of the anvil plate.

17. The surgical stapling device ofclaim 16, wherein the distance between the plurality of staples and the anvil plate increases progressively from the second end of the anvil plate towards the first end of the anvil plate such that the staples sequentially engage the anvil plate when the pusher moves from the retracted position towards the advanced position.

18. The end effector ofclaim 16, wherein the distal portions of the plurality of fingers are aligned along an axis “P1” and the anvil shaft defines an axis “P2”, wherein the axis “P1” defines an angle of from about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees with the axis “P2” when the pusher is in a retracted position, and the axis “P1” is substantially parallel to the axis “P2” when the staples are ejected into the anvil plate.

19. An end effector comprising:

a frame having a U-shaped configuration and including a first transverse portion, a second transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion, the longitudinal portion defining a longitudinal axis, the first transverse portion being spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess, the first transverse portion of the frame supported in cantilevered fashion on the longitudinal portion and having a first end coupled to the longitudinal portion of the frame and a second end spaced from the longitudinal portion;

an anvil plate supported on the first transverse portion of the frame, the anvil plate defining an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion of the frame; and

a cartridge assembly supported in the recess defined between the first and second transverse portions of the frame, the cartridge assembly movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge body, staples, and a pusher that is movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position to an advanced position, the cartridge body defining a plurality of staple receiving slots, each of the staple receiving slots receiving one of the staples, the pusher including a base member and a plurality of fingers, each of the plurality of fingers extending distally from the base member into one of the staple receiving slots and having a distal portion supporting one of the staples, the pusher being movable within the cartridge body from a retracted position towards an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple receiving slots;

wherein the plurality of staples is spaced from the anvil plate, when the pusher is in a retracted position, a distance that changes along the longitudinal axis of the anvil plate.

20. The end effector ofclaim 19, wherein the distance between the plurality of staples and the anvil plate increases progressively from the second end of the anvil plate towards the first end of the anvil plate such that the staples sequentially engage the anvil plate when the pusher moves from the retracted position towards the advanced position.

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